Issues

Bam urges Lower House to Retain Major Reforms in SK

Senator Bam Aquino hopes that the Lower House will retain the major reforms in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) reform bill, which was passed by the Senate on third and final reading Monday.

“We look forward to the enactment of the bill in March. I hope that major reforms that we are pushing will be consistent with Congress’ version,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Via 20-0 affirmative vote, the Senate has passed on third and final reading the Senate Bill No. 2401 or the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014.

Senator Bam’s “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” bill was among several bills consolidated under Senate Bill No. 2401.

Among the major reforms approved by the Senate is the anti-dynasty provision prohibiting family and relatives of any public official – from national, provincial, city/municipality and barangay levels, including appointed ones — up to second degree of affinity or consanguinity from seeking any SK position.

The measure also expands the SK age range to 18 to 24 years old to make them more accountable for their actions.

In addition, SK officials are also mandated to undergo training programs before they assume their posts, equipping them with necessary skills in governance and leadership which will be useful in their position.

The measure also pushes for the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more young people through student councils, faith-based organizations, youth-serving groups and other community-based youth organizations.

Iloilo Entrepreneurs to Enjoy Access to Capital from Negosyo Center

ILOILO CITY — Entrepreneurs and would-be businessmen will now enjoy access to financing and other assistance with the opening of the country’s second Negosyo Center onFeb. 6 at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) building this city.

Senator Bam Aquino, author of Republic Act 10644 or the “Go Negosyo Act”, will formally open the Negosyo Center together with several local and DTI officials, led by Secretary Gregory Domingo, Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and League of the Municipalities of the Philippines Iloilo Chapter Head Neil Tupas.

The “Go Negosyo Act” provides for the establishment of Negosyo Centers in provinces, cities and municipalities in the country.

“The opening of a Negosyo Center in Iloilo City will boost the development of micro, small and medium enterprises, creating jobs and livelihood in the community,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said the Negosyo Center will provide a unified and simplified business registration process, thus helping ease of doing business and fast-track government processes in putting up a business in Iloilo City.

“By making business registration simpler and more efficient, we hope to encourage more Filipinos to start their own small businesses to stimulate the local economy,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

Iloilo has been ripe for investment and economic growth. In 2012, it recorded an impressive expansive growth of 7.5%, even surpassing the national growth rate of 6.6%.

Aside from ease of doing business, Sen. Bam said the Negosyo Center will help link up entrepreneurs with microfinance institutions that provide financing without collateral.

“We aim to develop and spur the rice, sugar cane, hog and commercial fishery industries of Iloilo. We want them to grow into bigger businesses and be able to compete in larger markets,” added Sen. Bam

In addition, the Negosyo Centers will provide courses and development programs, training, advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.

Life Bank Foundation Inc. president Manuel Perlas hailed the establishment of the Negosyo Center here, saying it will open up horizon for entrepreneurs to enhance their business skills and expand their networks.

“We hope this will reinforce the growth of bayanihan economics that is critically needed for poverty eradication to take root throughout the country,” Perlas said.

The Negosyo Center in Iloilo City is the second in the country, next to Cagayan de Oro, which was established last November.

As mandated by RA 10644, Sen. Bam expects that around 100 Negosyo Centers will be established in different parts of the country this year.

“With the help of DTI, I hope we can reach or even exceed our target for this year,” Sen. Bam said.

Bam Pushes for Expanding the Anti-Dynasty Provision in SK Reform Bill

Senator Bam Aquino supports the moves to expand the general scope of the anti-dynasty provision of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) reform bill.

During the period of amendments on Senate Bill No. 2401 or the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014, the Senate widened the scope of the bill’s anti-dynasty provision.

The new provision prohibits family and relatives of any public official – from national, provincial, city/municipality and barangay levels, including appointed ones — up to second degree of affinity consanguinity from seeking any SK position.

In the previous version of the bill, only family members and relatives of provincial, city/municipal and barangay officials are prohibited from running for any SK position.

“We welcome the expansion of this provision because this is a big help in our efforts to remove the SK from the clutches of partisan and traditional politics,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

“This move could also be a precursor to the omnibus anti-dynasty bill that we hope would be passed within this administration,” added Sen. Bam, whose “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” bill was among several bills consolidated under Senate Bill No. 2401.

The bill also expands the SK age range to 18 to 27 years old to make them more accountable for their actions.

“With the wider age range, the youth can sign contracts, disburse money and be more accountable,” Sen. Bam said.

The bill also mandates SK officials to undergo mandatory training programs before they assume their posts, equipping them with necessary skills in governance and leadership which will be useful in their position.

 “These training programs will ensure competency of the SK officers so they can be true leaders and role models to the youth,” Sen. Bam said.

In addition, the measure also pushes for the introduction of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), a council that will support the SK and ensure the participation of more young people through youth organizations.

The LYDC will be composed of representatives from the different youth organizations in the community – student councils, church and youth faith groups, youth-serving organizations, and community-based youth groups.

Statement of Sen. Bam Aquino on the Encounter of the PNP-SAF with MILF

We deeply condole with the families of the Philippine National Police (PNP) officers who perished in Sunday’s clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao.

The PNP leadership must ensure that the benefits of these fallen police officers will be provided to their families the soonest possible time.

At the same time, the PNP must launch a thorough investigation into the incident and find ways to avoid similar encounters in the future.

The lives of our police officers must not be compromised. Both parties must account for the lives lost.

We must not allow this tragedy to be an obstacle to our efforts for lasting peace in Mindanao.

SK: Time to Reboot

With the agreement from both Houses of Congress to take up much-needed reforms in the Sangguniang Kabataan, the Filipino youth can look forward to an improved system that is more relevant and responsive to their needs.

These reforms will be tackled side by side with the postponement of the SK elections this year.

At this point, there is a consensus that we need to reboot the SK. And we need more young people to participate in the discussion in the next few weeks.

Let’s use the time before the next SK elections next year to pass these needed reforms, convince more young people to participate and run so that the SK can finally live up to its intended potential.

Bam: BBL Should Be Pro-Poor, Pro-Business

Senator Bam Aquino calls on fellow lawmakers to focus on the provisions that will spur jobs and livelihood of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to ensure that the growth it expected to bring to the region will be inclusive to all Mindanaoans.

“The BBL’s economic provisions must be thoroughly scrutinized to make sure that all Mindanaoans will truly benefit from the growth that they’ve been waiting for a long time,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

If enacted into law, the BBL is expected to usher in lasting peace in Mindanao with the creation of a Bangsamoro entity, led by officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Aside from peace and order, Sen. Bam believes that the BBL will boost economic activity in the region, resulting in more jobs and livelihood for the poor people in the region.

“With the anticipated development in the region’s peace and order, local and foreign investors will see Mindanao as the next best business destination due to its untapped potential, hardowrking and innovative citizenry and vast natural resources,” Sen. Bam said.

Sen. Bam said the influx of investors will lead to fresh jobs and livelihoods in the region, giving Mindanaoans a chance to provide for the needs of their families and get out of poverty.

“The opportunity for every Filipino to earn for themselves and for their families must be realized through the BBL,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

In addition, Sen. Bam said the BBL will hasten agricultural development and modernization and address the looming power supply problem in the region.

Senate President Franklin Drilon earlier announced that it will prioritize the passage of the BBL, on top of other economic-related bills.

Bam: Time Running Out on SK Reform Bill

Senator Bam Aquino calls on colleagues to hasten the passage of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) reform bill, saying the time to introduce needed changes in the existing system is running out.

“We have less than two months remaining to introduce the changes that we are pushing for to make it more effective in addressing the needs of the youth,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

Sen. Bam’s “Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan (LBK)” bill was among several bills consolidated under Senate Bill No. 2401 or the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014.

According to the bill, Congress has until February 2015 to introduce the needed reforms in the existing system. If not, the elections will push through in February of this year with the current problematic system.

Instead of having the system abolished, Bam pushed for the suspension of the 2013 SK elections to pave way for introduction of needed reforms that will help turn the youth into better public servants in the future.

During the recent two-day Hackathon on SK, Bam urged the youth to actively participate in the shaping of the reform bill, which is currently undergoing interpellations in the upper chamber.

“We call on the youth to actively participate in the formation of this bill. Your input can be a big help as we craft a law that will introduce crucial reforms in the system,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said this is the best time for the youth to pitch in their ideas, which will be introduced during the amendment stage.

“The reforms we are pushing are crucial as they will harness volunteerism among the youth and pull them away from clutches of partisan politics,” the senator said.

The measure proposes to expand the age range for officers to 18 to 24 years old from the current range of 15 to 17 years old

The bill also pushes for increased participation for youth through the creation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC), composed of youth leaders from universities and colleges, the Church and other religious groups, and communities, that will support the SK and ensure the creation of better programs and policies for the Filipino youth.

 

Bam: Put Pope Francis’ Messages into Action

The best gift that Pinoys can give to Pope Francis is to put his messages into action.

Senator Bam Aquino issued this challenge, saying that it is now time to live out the words of the Holy Father during his five-day stay in the country.

“Putting the Pope’s messages about social justice, solidarity with the poor and love for the other person, into action is the best gift that we can give to Papa Kiko for inspiring us to become better persons and better citizens of this country,” Bam said.

During his homilies and preachings, Pope Francis appealed to government officials and the youth to help the poor and the marginalized.

The Holy Father also called on government officials to “reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor.”

“The Pope’s visit must inspire us to eradicate graft and corruption in government. And this needs everyone’s cooperation, vigilance and faith to make the reforms happen,” Bam said.

Bam also calls on the government to focus on fighting poverty and providing employment and livelihood opportunities to the poor and marginalized to help uplift their living conditions.

“We must go beyond the common understanding of charity.  We must recognize the dignity of the poor by providing them the opportunity of earning for themselves and their families,” Bam said.

Meanwhile, the senator lauded devotees who attended the different Papal events for their discipline amid the challenging conditions.

“We laud our countrymen for their discipline, especially during the Holy Mass at the Quirino Grandstand. Your immeasurable devotion to the Holy Father and to the Catholic faith is commendable and as inspiring as well,” the senator said.

Photo source: President Aquino’s Official Facebook Page

Bam: Revisit Law Penalizing Erring Airline Companies

A senator emphasized the need to revisit Republic Act 776 or the Civil Aeronautics Act of the Philippines of 1952 to provide passengers adequate protection against erring airline companies.

“There is an urgent need to revisit this law because the situation is far different now compared to 63 years ago,” said Senator Bam Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“With more Filipinos now who are capable to travel by air to reach to their destination, let’s introduce necessary revisions to the law to make it more responsive to today’s needs and enable it to give enough protection to passengers,” the senator noted.

Aquino stressed the need to review the provisions of RA 776 on Violations and Penalties, where any carrier or person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of the Act, or any of the terms, conditions or limitations in a permit or amendment thereto or any orders, rules or regulations issued by the CAB shall be subject to a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos for each violation.

“It is unacceptable that some of our countrymen were delayed or weren’t able to go home to be with their families and friends during the Christmas season,” Aquino said.

This age-old provision was used as basis by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in penalizing Cebu Pacific P52.1 million for delays and cancelled flights during the Christmas season. The fine was the largest ever imposed on an airline in Philippine aviation history.

“We also need to look at how to properly compensate our passengers, may it be rebooking, refunding or other forms that will be commensurate of the inconvenience they experienced,” Aquino stressed.

The CAB said Cebu Pacific violated its certificate of public convenience and necessity because of the delays and cancellations that affected 10,400 passengers from December 23 to 26, 2014.

“This incident will become a regular occurrence if the current law lacks the needed punch against erring airline companies,” the senator said.

The senator said that he would file a resolution on the proposed amendments to RA776 next week when the Senate session resumes.

“In the end, we would drive away air travelers, both foreign and local, if we make poor service the norm in our air transportation system,” the senator added.

Sen. Bam Pushes for Heavier Penalties for Crimes vs. Journalists

Senator Bam Aquino strongly condemned the killing of a tabloid reporter in Bataan and joined the world in denouncing the massacre of 12 people, including 10 journalists, in Paris, France.

 

“We strongly condemn the rash of violence against media, both here and abroad. These senseless killings have no place in a civilized and humane society and must be stopped,” said Aquino.

 

Aquino was referring to murder of 10 journalists working for Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical weekly newspaper, and two police officers in Paris, France recently.

 

The two perpetrators behind the murder were killed after a standoff while a third suspect surrendered to authorities.

 

Last week, Abante tabloid reporter Nerlita “Nerlie” Ledesma was gunned down by a riding-in-tandem in Bataan.

 

Authorities have arrested a suspect — a gun-for-hire — and are currently determining the motive behind Ledesma’s killing.

 

“We must ensure that the perpetrator and the brains behind the killing of Ledesma will be punished for their crime,” the senator said.

 

The senator said his office is exploring pushing for legislation that will increase penalties for violent crime against journalist.

 

“Journalists will continue to suffer if we will not show resolve in putting an end to this impunity immediately,” the senator said.

 

 

Aquino also urged the creation of a special court that will hear only crimes against journalists to fast track the resolution of the case and the dispensation of justice.

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